Game apparatus



May 8, 1928.

B. A. BRISTOW GAME APPARATUS Filed April 1927 INVENTDR.

Patented May 3, 1928.

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BRUCE BRISTOW, OF TORONTQONIARIO, CANADA.

GAME APPARATUS.

Application filed April 8, 1927, Serial No. 132,154, and in Canada April 9,1926.

This intention relates to 2 me apparatus of the type in which a plurality of indicatin devices are mount on a horizontal bar and, adapted 'to be t ped by levers arranged to be actuated by a ball, marble or the like rolled along thesurt'ace on which the apparatus stands.

My object in the present invention is to devise an arrangement by means of Which substantially the same results may be obtained as in a game of five-pin bowling, or, mother Words, to cause the indicators to trip in the same manner as the pins would fall according to the way the ball strikes the pin or pins.

l attain my object by means of the constructions hereinafter described and illustrated in the accom 'ianying drawings in which 7 Fig. 1. plan View of my improved game apparatus;

Fig. 2 a section on the line 22 in Fig.3;

3 a :t'rout view or? theapparatus;

Fig. at a detail showing a modified a1- rang'ement tor countcrbalancingthe indicators; and

a detail illustrating the means for assi ti ,4 the means for tripping the indicators si1nultaneously.

In the drawings like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the dilferent figures. y My device comprises a pair of posts 1 which support adjacent their upper end a cross bar 3. On this cross bar a plurality of indicators at are mounted. Also pivoted on this cross bar are pivoted levers 5 by means or which the indicators are tripped.

The upperends oi the levers are forked, and the indicatorsare positioned in the recesses thus formed and are iveighted so that their rear parts rest on thelever when in set position. This Weighting may take the term of metal inserts 2.4; as indicated in Fig. 1, or a chamber may be formed in each indicator as. shown in Fi 4; in which a metal ball 26 may roll from end to end.

The levers are supported at the proper angle by means of a bar 9. The levers will, of course. be of sufiicient length so that their lower ends Will he struckby a ball passing beneath them.

It is desirable, however, that it be possible to knock down various combinations of the indicators and Iattain this result by numbered 5 and the outer sections of the,

two adjacent lovers being inunbered 5 The two sections 5 are connected by means of arms 10 to a tripper member 11 which eX- tends below all the indicatorsand is pivoted on the support 3. l l

The lever sections 5" otthe indicator at one side of the centralindicator are con nected by arms 12in a ripper member 13, also pivoted on the support and which extends beneath the. adjacent outer indicator.

Similarlythe lover sections 5" of the indicator at the other sideojt the central indicator are connected by arms 12 to a second tripper member 13 also pivoted on the support and which extends beneath the adjacent outer indicator. y i

It should be stated, however, that the main parts of the levers are free to move Without the outer sections 5 and 5", but the said outer sections are in'ovided with straps 14 Which lie in front of the main sections so that movement of these sections is alsoimparted to the main partoft the lever. To avoid danger of 'dai'nage to the outer sections 5 and 5", I provide straps 27 secured to the main. lever sections, which. straps extend behind theoutcr sections 5 and 5 It will thus besceu that upon one of the outer sections 5 or 5 being struck by a ball, said outer sect-ion immediately engages the straps 27 and the shock thus also distributed to then lain lever section. i i

The operation of the parts just described is as follows. The hall. is rolled along the floor or other surface on which the apparatus stands. It the ball strikes the main or central part of any lever. the indicator above that lever only will be tripped. If the ball strikes ither"otthelever sections 5*, the tripper member 11 \vill he rocked and all five indicatrus \Ylll be tripped. It the ball strikes either lever sections 5" of one indicator, one tripper 3 will be rocked toactuate thetwo indicators at one end, While if the ball strikes a lever section 5' of the indicator at the other end, the other tripper 13 will be rockedcto actuate the two indicators at that end. 7 Assuming, that the main part of the central lever be struck and the indicator tripped, it is desirable that the lever sections 5 be raised out of the path of the ball. I therefore so balance the tripper 11 that the transferring of the central indicator from set to tripped position is sufficient to allow the tripper to rise enough so that the lever sections 5 are out of the way of the balls.

So too the trippers 13 are so balanced that the tripping of their indicators is sufiicient to raise them to lift the lever sections 5 out of the path of the balls.

Preferably, however, the tripper l1 provided with adjustable weights 15 and each tripper 13 with an adjustable weight 16 whereby the balance of the trippers may be conveniently adjusted.

The bottom of the recess in the main part of each lever 5 will be so ar anged that when the indicator is tripped the bottom of the recess will be engaged by the indicator and the lever raised a sufficient distance so that its lower end is out of the path of the balls. while, as stated above, themere transferring of the indicators from set to tripped position sufficient to allow the trippers to rise and lift the lever sections 5 and 5.

While under ordinary circumstances the ball will strike the lever sections 5 with sufiicient force to cause the tripper 13 to lift all the indicators, I may if found desirable provide special means for assisting in the operation of this tripper. This special means comprises a lever 28 pivoted on the supporting bar 3. One end of this lever carries a weight 17, while the other end of the lever extends down behind the bar 9 and then upwardly immediately over the cross bar of the tripper 11.- The weight 17 normally lies in such a position that very little movement will cause it to tip forwardly upon a lever section 5 being struck and movement is thus imparted to the tripper 11 and through it to the lever 28, thus causing the weight 17 to fall forwardly, and the portion 16 of the lever to rise so as to engage and actuate the tripper sufficient to ensure the proper tripping of all-the indicators.

A movable bar 18 is provided below and in front of the indicators to support the latter when in tripped position. By actuating this bar the indicators may he returned to set position.

The arms 10 and 12 and the levers 5 are so proportioned in length that the levers may pass by the trippers 11 and 13 when rocked under the impact of a ball. There is therefore no danger of the trippers 11 and 13 being accidentally actuated through be ing struck by the levers 5.

As there is a danger that balls may strike the forward part of the base 1 and be diverted against the levers, I provide the inclined platform 20 up which the balls must travel to strike the levers. This platform is of lesser Width than the distance between the uprights of the frame so that a space is left at each side between the platform and the uprights, forming in effect gutters, the sides of the platform forming abutments which prevent the balls which run off the side of the platform from returning and striking the levers.

The wall is movable relative to the uprights of the frame 3, a resilient member 21 being interposed to hold the parts in normal position. A guard 7 is placed in front of the rear part of the wall and is held in spaced position relative thereto by means of resilient bumpers 8 To prevent the balls after striking the wall or guard 7 escaping, I provide the apron 29 which is pivoted on supports 22 secured to the wall. This apron normally lies in such a position, as indicated particularly in ll 2. that balls will lift it when passing inwardly, but cannot lift it when returning.

For the purpose of anchoring the apparatus as a whole 1 preferably connect the inclined platform to the base of the uprights, by means of metal strips 23. These strips are made of thin material so as not to .interefere with balls passing along the gutters.

When my apparatus is used in large or bowling alley size, the uprights 1 for the cross bar 3 will usually be permanently secured in place and the wall and guard and inclined platform may be omitted.

If desired suitable numbers, letters or the like may be applied in any convenient manner to the indicators for indentification pur poses.

It will be evident that many changes in the details of construction may be made in my apparatus without departing from the spirit of my invention.

vi hat I claim is:

1. In game apparatus, the combination of a supporting bar; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted on said bar where by each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; depending levers also pivoted on said bar, said indicators when in set position each resting on a lever but adapted to be rocked to tripped position by said lever when the latter is rocked; means for tripping said levers independently of one another; and means for tripping said levers collectively.

2. In game apparatus, the combination of a supporting bar; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted on said bar whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; depending levers also pivoted on said bar, said indicators when in set position each resting on a lever but adapted to be rocked to tripped position by said lever when the latter is rocked; means for tripping said levers independently of one another; and means for tripping-said levers ingroups. i

3. In game apparatus, the Combination of a supportingbar; a plurality of indicators independentlypivoted on said bar where by each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; depending levers also pivoted on said bar, said indicators when'in set position each resting on a lever but adapted to be rocked to tripped position by said lever when the latter is rocked; means for trippin xsaid levers independently of one another; means for tripping said'levers in groups; and means fortripping all of said leverssimultaneously.

1-. In game'apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a setposition or a trippedposition; means for'tripping said indicators independently of one another; and means for tripping said indicators collectively, said means for tripping said indicators collectively being adapted to move out of action when a particular one of said indicators is tripped independently.

5. In game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped positioiunleans for tripping said indicators independently of one another;

and means for tripping said indicators'in groups, said group tripping means being adapted to move out of actionwhen a particular indicator in its group is trippedindependently.

6. In game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted on said support where by each may occupy a set position or a 1 stripped position; means for-tripping said (ill indicators independently or one another; means for tripping said indicators in groups, said group tripping means being adapted to move out of action when a particular in dicator in its group is tripped-independently; and means fortripping allot said indicators simultaneously, said means for tripping said indicators collectively being adapted tomove out of action when a particular one of said-indicators is tripped independently. p

7; 'In'game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators pivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; a plurality of depending levers also pivoted on said support, certain of said levers when in normal position being each adapted to support an indicator in set position, but adapt ed when rocked to move the indicator to tripped position; and means connected with another of said levers when the latter is ac tuated adapted to trip said indicators simultaneously. Y v y 8. In game apparatus, the combination of a support plurality of indicatorspivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or atripped position; a plurality of depending levers also pivoted on said support, certain of said levers when in normal position being each adapted to support an indicator in set position, but adapted when rocked to move the indicator to tripped position; and means connectedwith others of said levers adapted totrip said in dicators in groups. 7

9. In game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators pivoted on said support whereby each mayoccupy-a set position or a tripped position; a plurality of depending levers also pivoted on said sup-port, certain of said levers Whenin normal position being each adaptedto sup-- port an indicator inset POSlti01l,l)L1l3 adapts ed when rocked to naovetheindicator to tripped position; means connected with others of said levers adapted to trip said indicators in groups; and'means connected with still anotheifot saii'llevers adapted-to tripall of said indicators simultaneously.

10. In game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators pivoted. on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; a plurality of depending leversalso pivoted on said support, certain of said levers when in normal position being each adapted to support an indicatorin set position, but adapted when rocked to move the indicator to tripped position; a tripper member pivoted on said support and extending below a plurality of said indica-tors, said tripper member beingada-pted to be actuated by anotherot said leve-rs; and means adapted to come into action when thewsaid tripper member has rocked a. certain dis tance to continue the movement of said member a sullicient distance to ensure tripping oi the indicators.

1]. In game apparatus the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators pivoted on said support wl ereby each may occupy a set position ora tripped position; a plurality oifsaid levers alsopivoted on said support and adaptedto be actuated by a game piece, each of said levers when, in normal position being adapted, to support an indicator in set position, but adapted when rocked to move the indicator to tripped position, one of said levers being formed o'l. three sections the central section being of sutlicient widthto permit the "1e piece to pass between the outer seei is; and means actuated by said outer sections for tripping a pluralityof said indicators simultaneously.

12. In game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators pivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; a plurality of said levers also pivoted on saicsupport and adapted to be actuated by a game piece, each of said levers when in normal position being adapted to support an. indicator in set position, but adapted when rocked to move the indicator to tripped position. one of said levers being: formed o'l three sections. the central sec tion being of suli'icient width to permit the gamepiece to pass between the outer sections; means actuated by said outer sections for tripping a plurality of said indira'tors simultaneously; and means tor rocking: the central lever section when the outer sections are rocked.

13. In game apparatus, the coml'iination of a support; an indicator pivoted on said support whereby it may occupy a set po sition or z tripped position; a depending lever pivotally connected with said support, said indicator when the lever is melted being adapted to move from set. to tripped posit-ion; a. U-shaped wall connected with said. support: and a pivoted apron extending: between the legs of the et-shaped wall, said apron being adapted to permit the passage of a ball beneath it in one direction. but to prevent the passage of the hall in the opposite direction.

14. In game apparatus, the coml'iination of a support; an indicator pivoted on said support whereby itmay occupy a set position or a tripped position; a depending lever pivotally connected with said support, said indicator when the lever is rocked being adapted to move from set to tripped position; a U-shaped wall resiliently connected with said support; and a pivoted apron extending: between the legs of the U- shaped wall, said apron being; adapted to permit the passage of a ball beneath it in one direction, but to prevent the passage of the ball in the opposite direction.

15. In game appa 'atus.the comb nation of a support; a plurality ot'indicators pivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; means for trippingsaid indicators independently of one another; means for tripping said indicaters collectively and adapted to be actuated by a game piece; and auxiliary means adapted to come into action when said collective tripping means has completed part of its movement to ensure the continued movement of thesaid collective tripping means necessary to trip the. indicators.

16. In game apparatus, the combination of a support; a plurality of indicators pivoted on said support whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position;

means for tripping said indicators independently of one another; means for tripping said indicators collectively and adapted to be actuated by a game piece; and auxiliary means adapted to move into action when said collective tripping means has completed part of its movement to ensure the continued movement of the said collective tripping means necessary to trip the indicators, said auxiliary means comprising a bell crank lever having" one arm adapted to engage the support to limit its movement in one direction and its other arm weighted, said weighted arm being normally positioned to retain the first mentioned arm against the support, said first mentioi'ied arm having: an extension thereon adapted to be actuated by the collective tripping means to rock said lever whereby the falling of the weighted arm will cause the main part of the first mentioned arm to engage and continue the movement of the collective trip nnp' means.

17. In game apparatus, the combination ot a simport; an indiiator pivoted. on said support whereby it may occupy aset position or a tripped position; a depending lever pivotally connected with said support, said indicator when the lever is rocked being: adapted to move from set to tripped position; and an inclined platform up which the balls may be rolled, the sides of said platform forming abutments to prevent a ball rolling over its sides returning; and striking the lever.

18. In game apparatus, the combination of a supporting bar; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted on said bar whereby each. may occupy a set position or a tripped position; depending levers also pivoted on said bar, said indicators when in set position each restinp on a lever but adapted to be rocked to tripped position by said lever when the latter is rocked; means for tripping); said levers independently ot one another; and common means for acluating said levers to return the indicators to set position.

19. In game apparatus, the combination of a supp urtiug, bar; a plurality of indicators independently pivoted, on said bar whereby each may occupy a set position or a tripped position; depending levers also pivoted on said bar, said indicators when in set position each resting on a. lever but adapted to be rocked to tripped position by said lever when the latter is rocked; means for tripping said levers independently of one another; means for tripping said levers collectively; and common means for actuatingthe lovers to return said indicators to set position.

Signed at Toronto, Canada, this twentytifth day of March 1927.

BRUCE A. BRISTOl/V.

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